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Harry Potter (both novels and films) was a huge part of my childhood; I grew up reading the books and watching the movies. It was a world of its own, and a world that I still gladly explore from time to time. I've never written birthday posts but when writing this, I thought, why not? So here's a list of my favorite scenes (one per film) to commemorate the day. As lists go, this is arranged by movie, and I went with scenes that not only do I love, but has an impact on the character or the turn of the film itself.

This is one of those franchises where the sequel doesn't only offer what its predecessor did, but has managed to develop as well. While the sequel might not be as marvelous as the former, it had merits on its own that deserves appreciation. Both films were undeniably wonderful, both for children and adults alike. It offered adventure and danger, with a touch of fantasy, with its root being the heart of the character, and the relationship he has with his dragon. I think both should be seen together, as it is through the sequel that we get to examine how the franchise has grown up with its characters.

For someone who's not a vocal fan of Kristin Wiig, I watch a lot of her movies. She dabbles on some pretty light material, and despite playing a similar character in all these light flare, she makes it work. This time, she's with Bill Hader (who I loved in SNL), and they play siblings. It looks quite charming enough, and I'll be seeing Hader tackle a character that is not blatantly funny. I like their chemistry together, and I think this could be a film of Wiig's that I actually will like, or find endearing. Either way, I'm quite certain I might see it. How about you? Where do your thoughts lay on Kristin Wiig and her acting career?

As I've mentioned here, it's difficult to assess the previous Batman films mainly because of the trilogy that Christopher Nolan brought, so I'll try my best to be as objective as possible. This movie introduced the start of the movie versions of Batman (not including the film adaptation of the series), and while it was a good start, I felt that it was a lesser version of the sequel (Batman Returns). While it had a colorful villain, the screenplay was off-putting and unsatisfactory, leaving me with mediocre feelings towards the first film.

Alcoholism is a vice brought by many factors. It can be due to a person's environment, or a hereditary habit, to name a few. But what happens when a person tries to surpass it, to say that one had enough of the lifestyle, that a person's vice has brought nothing but trouble to daily life? That is what James Ponsoldt's Smashed portray, as we watch the life of Kate Hannah, an alcoholic whose habit has brought destruction to her life.

This looked like it had potential...and then it revealed what could be a major plot point in the film, rendering the thriller...without a thrill. The score itself seemed fitting for the film (set in winter, the tone of the music is cold), but when it brings a reveal, it lessens the interest to see how the film unfolds. Ryan Reynolds is definitely having some difficulty getting his footing back after a slew of blockbuster misses. I don't think this one would do. I'm probably going to wait for reviews; I just want to know the connection between the reveal and the family.

Someone give Keira Knightley a record deal pronto! From the writer and the director of Once, a musical drama springs up again, involving a scorned woman and a down on his luck record producer, whose lives intertwine on one open mic night. It was a simple story, elevated by the performances of the actors, and a soundtrack that is quite fitting to the film. Begin Again was charming, and I could just see myself watching this over again.

If I was to make a list of children's films people my age have probably seen during their childhood, E.T. would have been one of them. As a child, I was never really coerced into watching a brown, strange looking thing point his finger and then makes it glow (hence, this blind spot). But I wasn't unaware of E.T.; I think it would be slightly improbable that people not recognize E.T. After all, he is an iconic character himself, and the film is considered to be one of Spielberg's finest. Beside the iconic shot that's used in all promotional items, or anything regarding the film, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial displays a powerful friendship in the eyes of its characters.

I recently stumbled upon Dell on Movies, and he is hosting a blogathon (side note: blogathons really are an amazing factor when it comes to discovering more blogs). This one seems really fun, as he creates a no judgment zone when it comes to movies you love or just don't like with a passion. So here are the rules: 1. Pick one movie that "everyone" loves (the more iconic, the better). That movie must have a score of at least 80% on rottentomatoes.com. Tell us why you hate it.

2. Pick one movie that "everyone" hates (the more notorious, the better). That movie must have a score of less than 30% on rottentomatoes.com. Tell us why you love it.

3. Include the tomato meter scores of both movies.
So let's get started!

Chef is Jon Favreau's latest offering about a man who has lost passion on a lot of things in his life. Despite being one of the celebrated chefs in the culinary world, Carl has succumbed to a lifeless manner of preparing food, cooking the same dishes over and over again. It's not that he is uninspired - we immediately get a glimpse of the new cuisine he wanted to prepare a critic, but due to his failed experimentation years ago, and the restaurateur's desire to serve what works, the critic has immediately lashed out Carl's talent, sending the chef into a craze rampant. After quitting his job, and throwing a rampage in public, he has lost all perspectives to cooking, until his ex-wife brought him to Miami with her, and he finally went with the food truck idea she had been prodding him about ages ago.

This is very much one of my most awaited films, and the trailer looked lovely. I would definitely go and see this film. While it has a recipe of a love story, the way that Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy portray the lovers, and the story behind their story (as the film is told in two parts) has a dramatic, yet cinematic take to it. I initially thought the parts (his and her) were going to be released separately (I don't know if it was released separately in the festival circuit) but those movies are going to be released as one. While the main focus is really on Chastain's character, I'm as much excited to see this because of James McAvoy. He has been in a couple of films himself, but has yet to have a break out role akin to Michael Fassbender (who immediately rose into the big roster during 2012's Shame).

Ever since I saw Dane DeHaan in Chronicle, I've become a convert fan. With the exception of the Spiderman movies, I would go and see this guy's films. Life After Beth looks like a fun movie. Not only does DeHann exhibit something out of his usual seriousness, but it's supported with a great cast. This is definitely on my to-watch list, and hopefully it delivers the same quality that its trailer does.

Hey there. So, the blog's been quiet for the past couple of days - my laptop was having its moments, and I do the editing there. It's also been quiet because I haven't seen much movies, at least the ones that are new to me. Hopefully, the slow writing person in me would snap out because these coming months will be eerily silent if I don't go and write something. Speaking of those quiet months, I'm really hoping it doesn't come down to that, but I would be taking a short hiatus at the end of the month. I'm going on vacation, and would be leaving the space speechless for a month, if I don't get some writing done. Hopefully, I could have some posts on queue.
Usually I take this space to ramble about anything movie-related before moving on to the monthly links and movie watching recap, but I'd like to introduce a new semi-feature on the blog: Project 52: A Year in Books. I've always loved to read, and I thought that this would help me keep motivate…